Texas Department of State Health Services
Recent News About Texas Department of State Health Services
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Texas reports new wound botulism cases linked to injection drug use
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported two confirmed and one suspected case of botulism associated with injection drug use since July 30, 2024. Due to the nature of this illness, more cases may occur. Clinicians are advised to follow recommended guidelines and report any suspected cases to their local health department or public health region immediately while the patient is still under their care.
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Operation Border Health Preparedness marks its silver jubilee with free clinics across South Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is commemorating the 25th anniversary of Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP) with no-cost health clinics at five locations in South Texas. These clinics will be available to community members from July 22-26.
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Mpox transmission continues in Texas amid increased case numbers
Texas continues to report ongoing transmission of mpox caused by clade II monkeypox virus (MPXV), consistent with national trends. Preliminary surveillance data indicate a potential increase in mpox cases in 2024. Additionally, an outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused by clade I MPXV may raise the risk of transmission and severe disease in the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recommends that healthcare professionals, public health officials, and the public take measures to detect and prevent the spread of mpox.
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Texas health department alerts public about recall of Diamond Shruumz products
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is alerting the public about the recall of Diamond Shruumz brand products following reports of severe illness among consumers. Two individuals in Texas have reported illness after consuming these products, with one requiring hospitalization. Nationwide, 69 cases and 36 hospitalizations have been reported across 28 states in connection with this outbreak.
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Texas warns against dangerous levels of mercury in imported skin creams
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently reported a case of mercury poisoning linked to the use of a contaminated skin lightening cream. Authorities advise consumers to purchase cosmetics only in sealed containers from reputable retailers and to avoid products that appear altered. Those who suspect exposure to mercury through skin creams should contact their healthcare provider or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.
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Texas introduces new data tools for maternal and child health
Beginning today, Texans have new tools to understand conditions around maternal and child health in the state. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has launched new public data dashboards as part of its suite of data products.
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Texas DSHS Commissioner appoints seven to maternal mortality review committee
Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, has appointed seven new members to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. The appointments will take effect from June 1. This follows legislation signed into law last year that added seven new positions to the committee to broaden its areas of expertise and increase its total membership to 21.
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Health Advisory: Cyclospora Testing Urged for Patients with Symptoms
State health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration are gearing up for the annual Cyclospora outbreak season, which typically spans from May to August. In a recent development, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is urging healthcare providers to be on high alert and test patients for the Cyclospora parasite.The intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora is a matter of concern, with Texas alone reporting over 800 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2023. The majority of these cases occurred between May and...
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Health Alert: First Case of Novel Influenza A (H5N1) in Texas, March 2024
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed the first human case of novel avian influenza A(H5N1) in Texas. According to the DSHS, the patient's primary symptom was conjunctivitis. In response to this development, the DSHS is urging healthcare providers to be vigilant for individuals showing signs and symptoms of avian influenza A(H5N1).The DSHS, in collaboration with various health agencies, is actively investigating cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) in both humans and animals. Reports indicate that the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has been...
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DSHS Reports First Human Case of Avian Influenza in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Texas, with the individual having direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the virus. The patient, whose only symptom was inflammation of their eyes, underwent testing late last week. The tests were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend.
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Public Hearing Scheduled for 2026-2027 Biennium Health Program Funding
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has announced a public hearing to gather input on public health program funding for the 2026-2027 biennium Legislative Appropriations Request. The public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Robert D. Moreton Building Public Hearing Room M-100 in Austin, Texas.According to the DSHS agenda, the public hearing will include a welcome and call to order, an agency overview, a budget overview for the 2026-2027 Biennium, public comment session, closing remarks, and adjournment.Stakeholder...
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Health Officials Provide Guidance on Returning Home After Wildfires
Health officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services are emphasizing the importance of safety and caution for individuals returning to their homes and businesses in areas affected by the recent wildfires in the state. According to the department, people should not return home until local authorities confirm it is safe to do so.One of the primary risks after a fire is exposure to hazardous smoke and ash, which can contain toxic substances like asbestos, arsenic, and lead. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of inhaling smoke and ash and should...
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DSHS’s Annual Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Airdrop Marks 30 Years
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP) in South Texas. The program, which aims to control and prevent rabies infections among wildlife, livestock, and people, has been successful in its mission.Kathy Parker, the ORVP project director, explained the program's goal: "Our goal is to vaccinate coyotes and gray foxes along the border to maintain herd immunity against rabies and keep new or previously eliminated rabies variants from becoming established in Texas." This year, the...
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Red Tide found on Texas Gulf Coast
The Department of State Health Services is warning residents and visitors of the Texas Gulf Coast to be cautious of a dangerous red tide known as karenia brevis. The red tide has been detected along the coast and poses harmful effects to both marine life and humans.